Green Cleaning Supplies

As I mentioned on Facebook earlier today, my morning workout routine was rudely interrupted by the fumes of toxic cleaning agents sprayed mercilessly all over the apartment complex workout room.

It started as a mild irritation in my throat, that led to fits of coughing and general ill-being. I really wanted to get through my leg exercises (since they enable me to keep running without hurting), but I simply couldn’t take it. So I left without a single leg lift.

I don’t know if my reaction was due to the fact that I’ve been cleaning with “green” cleaning supplies for almost three years now and my tolerance level has decreased even further, or if it was partially psychological.

Regardless, I thought it might be useful for those of you who are embarking on the simple living journey to get the lowdown on some of the green cleaning options out there. I did a fair amount of research when I started paying attention to what I poured down the drain, so hopefully this will save you some time.

SimplySafe Glass Cleaner (I also have a glass cleaning rag that doesn’t require cleaner at all – pretty nifty!)

Do-It-Yourself Cleaning Supplies

Now, please note that I am *not* a DIYer. This may be due to the fact that I have a full-time job and lots of side-projects (not related to making cleaning supplies). So I fork out the extra money to get the non-toxic stuff (it’s so sad that green has to be more expensive).

I cannot tell you how much my life, and the life of my family, has improved from using green cleaning supplies. Now I don’t have to worry that the spray that can kill [otherwise indestructible] cockroaches on the spot will seep into my family’s food supply. And I don’t get that uncomfortable, scratchy feeling in my throat after cleaning the bathroom. But best of all, it’s better for our planet!

Comments

I save a lot of money by making my own cleansers, and it takes very little time to do it. The biggest savings is definitely the homemade laundry detergent. The following is safe for HE washers: 4 Tbsp washing soda, 2 Tbsp borax, 2 Tbsp liquid castile soap (I use Dr Bronner’s), and hot water. Put the first three ingredients into a clean 1 gallon plastic jug (I use an old milk jug), add hot water to fill, and shake to dissolve. Shake well before using. FOr an HE machine, use 1/2 cup per load; for regular washer use 1 cup. I use plain white vinegar in the rinse cycle to prevent soap build-up.
The only cleaning materials I keep on hand are liquid castile soap, white vinegar, baking soda, washing soda, and borax. Annie Berthold-Brecht’s book “Better Basics for the Home” has recipes for cleaning all sorts of things using these ingredients and water as building blocks. The one thing I don’t make is dishwasher detergent. I buy the 7th generation powder.